Electrical starting device.



J. L. SCHUREMAN & C. J. ANDERSON.

ELECTRICAL STARTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.2I, 1910.

1,190,018. 1 PatentedJu1y4,19l6.

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1. L. SCHUREMAN & 0.1. ANDERSON.

ELECTRICAL STARTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.21,19|0. I

Patented July 4, 1916.

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1 ,1 90,0 1 8. Patented July 4, 1910.

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J. L. SCHUREMAN & (3.1. ANDERSON.

ELECTRICAL STARTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.21, 1910.

1,190,018. Patented July 4,1916.

4 SHEETSSHEET 4.

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UNITED STAS JACOB L. SCHUREMAN AND CARL J. ANDERSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS, BY

MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE CUTLER-HAMMER MFG. 00., OF MILWAUKEE, WIS- CONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN. v

ELECTRICAL STARTING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 4:, 1916.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that We, JACOB L. Somme MAN and CARL J. ANDERSON, citizens of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Electrical Starting Devices, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to improvements in devices for controlling the flow of current from a main line-through a circuit to be supplied, including a resistance, such as an electric motor or other electrical device or apparatus, in a manner to cause the current from the main line to be fed gradually to the circuit to be supplied, through the interposition of resistances adapted to be successively cut out, to prevent overloading the circuit to be supplied including the resistances above stated, and, more particularly, to the type of mechanism for the above referred to purpose employing a rotary member, such as a shaft, equipped with means for operating the switches in succession.

One of our objects is to provide mechanism of the type referred to for opening and closing the switches which will reduce to the minimum the amount of work required to be performed by the shaft at any one time, by causing the switches to be so operated that at no time will the shaft be operating against the load of all the switches.

The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The views of said drawings are as fdllows:

Figure 1 1s a view in. front elevation of a.

starting-device constructed in accordance with our invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in side elevation of the first of the switches to be closed when the device is operated, this View showing the position of the switch before being'operated, the shaft for operating the switches being illustrated in section; Fig. '3, a View like that of Fig. 2 showing the switch in closed condition. Fig.

4, a view like that of Figs. 2 and 3 except,

that it shows a portion only of the switch, this view illustrating the position the crankpin for operating this switch occupies when the shaft for operating the switches has completed rotation. Fig. 5 is a view like that of Fig. 4 showing the second of the switches in its open position with the crank-pin for operating this switch in the position it assumes when the device is in normal open position. Fig. 6, a view -of the switch in Fig. 5 showing the positions the switch and crank-pin assume when the first switch and pin therefor are in the positions illustrated in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a viewof the switch in Fig. 5 showing the positions the switch and crank-pin assume when the shaft carrying the crank-pins has completed its movement. Fig. 8 is a view like that of Fig. 5 showing the positions the third, and last switch, and its operating crank-pin, assume when the device is in normal open position. Fig. 9 is a view of the switch in Fig. 8 showing the positions the switch and crank-pin illustrated therein assume when the switch and pin therefor of Figs. 2, 3 and l are in the positions illustrated in Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a view like that of Fig. 8 showing the positions the switch and crank-pin of this figure assume when the shaft has completed its move ment; and Fig. 11, a diagrammatic view of the circuit connections of my starting-device with an elevator system with which it may be employed, the resistance interposed in the alternating current-circuit being star-connected.

The support for the operative parts of the device illustrated comprises a supporting plate, or board, 12, of insulating material, preferably adapted to be supported in vertical position by screws or bolts (not shown) passing through openings 13 in the plate and into the wall of a building. A. shaftl journaled at its opposite ends in bearings 15 and 16 to extend horizontally across the front of the plate 12 has secured to it a series of crank-pins 17, 18 and 19 spaced apart and each occupying a difierent position about the circumference of the shaft, as represented in Figs. 1 to 10 inclusive.

Secured to the plate 12 to be operatively and successively engaged by the cranks 17, 18 and 19 are a series of switches 20, 21 and 22 which may be of any suitable construction. Those illustrated in the drawings are each of the same construction, each including a bracket 23, with spaced longitudinally-extending arms 24:, secured to the plate 12, as by a bolt 25; an arm 26 in the nature of a bell-crank lever fulcrumed near its angle, as indicated at 27, to the arms 21 of the hrecliet 23; pair of carbon contacts 28 slidably mounted in the end portion of the 26 and each yieldingly pressed by a spring 29; a link-section 3O pivoted at its upper end, as indicated at 31, to the short arm 3% oi the arm 26 and having its lower end recessed, as illustrated, to provide ashoulder 33 and clearances for the shaft 1%; and a block 3 secured to the plate 152, as bybolts 35, immediately below each switch in at position adapting them to he engaged by the free lower ends or the link-sections 80, as hereinafter described.

Secured. to the front side of the plate 12 are contacts 36 to 1-1, inclusive, these con tacts being shown diagrammatically in These co tacts a e arranged in two horizontal series, as represented, to he engaged by the respective pairs "of contacts of the switches 20, 21 and 22, these contacts having plates 42 to L7, inclusive, respectively, to Which binding-posts are connected.

The crank-pins ii', l8 and 19 are preterahly connected to the shaift 1% through the l9 and 50, respectively,

medium of disks lo,

"as illustrated, the disks being located to one side of the adjacent arms 20. these cranks are caused to successively eng, e with the shoulders 33 carried by the switch-arms 20 when the shaft is rotated as hereinafter describe/d9 The switches are so mounted on the plate 19; as cause them to drop by gravity to the position illustrated the switch 26 in 2, when tl e device is'in normal conditio the lower ends of the 30 hearing; against stop-surfaces 5i on the blocks 34: a d thus limiting extenub'oi drop oi he switches loei erring to Figs trate the relative not 115,- cranlzs and switches controlled hereby when the paratus is in normal condition, will be seen that pin 17 is in a posit n contac ime with the rear portion of the shoulder 38 the switch 20; that pin 18 is located a slig. t distance from the shoulder 33 of the switch 21; and pin 19 s further removed from the shoulder 33 of he switch 22, these pins being so positioned as to cause to suelth the respective switches cessively engage v the shaft operated, as hereinafter 2, 5 8 which illusons of when described, and successively close the switches to cause them to successively cut out portion oi resistances hereinafter referred to Any suitable means for rotating the shaft it may be employed. The one illustrated is of the electrically-controlled solenoidtype, comprising coil 52 adopted to he energized in any suitable manner, as for eX- ample in the manner hereinafter explained, and a plunger 53 operating in the solenoid and in a dash-pot The plunger may operatively engage the shaft to rotate the lat ter in suitable manner, for instance its journals. 7 0

In the diagram SllO'W'il in Fig. i1 my improved starting-device is shown as forniii U a part of: an elevator-control apparatus, in which a three-phase stator, rotor and celerating resistance is employed In t diagram the main l ss are represented 55, 56 and 57, the in 5 with t e contacts 58 and 59, and G0 and (ii, respectively, or" a switch 62, and the line 5? connecting With one of the terminals 63 The switch 62 is also provide with contacts 65, 66, 6'5 and (38, and e double sWitcii-orm 69 pivoted in the con-- ter is adapted to he swung to the right oral. left to contact at its opposite insulated plate ends '50 and 71 with two pairs of these comtacts, as is common in switches this chew acter, the contacts and 66 being connected together by a Wire i2, and. the contacts (fl and bein also connected 3 her by e w b 1 Wire 25'}. A Wire Y" w (it to the terminal '30 Wire 1 connects contact 6"? with other terminal i? or The coil of thesolenoid i with the Wires The rotor of the 1 Si and 32 extenc ts terminals 53-6 s 78 ee leads n". 1" ti I) q/ c chi it, less earls and 88; the coand bracket of the SW tively, thirds o t it, it be .m svvitcl with its S ..;ver 69 is a project porting bracket, tetahly supported L ,4 i p arm shown diagr: nmatically opera/t d by'tivo stops 93 and at, on shifting cahlc e5 usually provided electrically-operaW elevator apparatus.

All the parts of the appsrstus are rep resented in Figs. 9;, 5, 8 and 11 in normal po sition' Upon opersti g the cable 95, as for instance cans the top 942 to engage the lever 92, the arniSQ t is to the right causj. be-sections l0 and 7]., which are i.

sulated from each other, to connect together the contacts 60 and 66 and 59 and 67, respectively. The result of this operation is to cause the three-phase currents of a well known character to traverse the stator 64, wires 57, 76, 74, contacts 60, 66, 67 and 59 and wires 55 and'56, thereby energizing the stator 64, and inducing three-phase currents in the rotor, which currents flow through wires 80, 81 and 82 and the entire portions of the resistance-sections 83, 84 and 85. The coil 52-being connected with the wires 7 4 and 7 6, as described, becomes energized when the lever is turned, and thus serves to draw up the lunger 53 and turnthe shaft 14 with the following results. .As soon as the shaft commences to turn it causes the crank-pin 17 to rise in describing an arc and engage with .the arm sufiiciently far to efi'ect this result.

the shoulder 33 of the switch 20, forcing the arm 30 upward with the result that the arm 26 of this switch is caused to turn at its fulcrum, its upper end swinging toward the stationary contacts with which latter the movable contacts of the switch engage as soon as the lift ng action of the pin 17 forces Each disk carries a finger 96 arranged opposite to the pin carried by it, as described, and the lower extremity of each of the arms 30 is formed with an ofi-set lug 97 which bears against the adjacent block 34, the portions of the arms adjacent to the lugs being formed with curved surfaces 98 concentric with the shaft 14, over which the fingers are caused to be brought by the turning of the shaft at the moment, or approximately at such time, that the cooperating pin is leaving the respective shoulder after the latter has forced the switch into closed position, the fingers remaining over the surfaces 98, as described. The lug 97 is brought into en- I gagement with the upper portion of an in clined surface 99 on the block by the operation described, against which it is caused to bear to prevent the switch connected with it from falling away from the opposed contacts when the crank has passed the shoulder 33,

the lug 97 being aided in holding the switch in closed position and in preventing the switches from being separated from the respective contacts by the positioning of the finger over the curved surface98, as described thereby forming a stop.

When the switch 20 is closed, the induced currents traverse two-thirds of each of the resistance-sections instead of all of them as is the case when none of the switches 20, 21 or 22 are in circuit, thereby increasing the speed of the motor. Further turning of the shaft 14 under the influence of therising plunger 53 causes the crank 18 to engage with the shoulder 33 of the switch 21, forcing the latter into closed condition in the manner as described of switch 20, the finger 96 carried by the disk 49 serving to lock this latter to close it, as described of the other switches, the result of this operation being that of cutting out all ofthe resistancegroups It will be understood that the switches remain closed as long as current continues to flow through the coil 52.

When the lever 69 is moved to off posi-' tion, as represented in Fig. 11, as by operating the cable 101, the current through the stator 64 and coil 52 is broken, with the result of permitting the plunger 53 to fall by gravity toits lowermost position, thereby turning the shaft in the opposite direction, and moving the fingers 96 out of engagement with the surfaces 98 on the respective disks on which they are provided, the successive movement of the crank-pins, against the walls of the recessed portions of the arms 30, causing these arms to swing at their pivotal connections with the arms 26, thereby moving their lower ends backward and permitting the arms 26 to drop to open normal position by gravity. The reversal of the movement of the lever-arm 69 serves to reverse the direction of the current through the stator in a well-known manner, the coil 52 being energized and causing the switches controlling the resistance-sections to successively cut out portions of this resistance in the manner as hereinafter described. The action of the crank-pins 17, 18 and 19, in connection with the shoulders 33 on the switches, is positive and the locking-fingers 96 serve to prevent tampering means for rotating the shaft illustrated and described being one only of a number of suitable means for this purpose.

It is of advantage that the form of resistance illustrated and described be employed, as by its use the resistance is uniformly and evenly cut-out of the circuit, with the effect of insuring even balance of the motor at all times.

It should be understood that the motor starter and switches herein disclosed can be used with equal facility for controlling the starting of other types of electric inotors, including direct current machines, by

suitably connecting the switch contacts to proper current limiting devices in the motor circuit and connecting the operating coil cia- 52 so that it is suitably controlled. it should be further understood that the embodiment of the invention shown is for purposes of illustration only and that other structures may be devised which embody the invention and which come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

W hat we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a switch having relatively-movable members, a rotarysl aft, means on said shaft for engaging one of the members of said switch to move the other member thereof into and out of position for closing and opening it, said means being free for continued movement without actuating said switch after the switch is closed, and means independent of said firstnamed means, for holding said switch in closed position.

2. ln mechanism of the character de scribed, the combination of a plurality of switches each having relatively movable members, a rotary shaft, a plurality of eccentricaily-disposed means on said shaft operating respectively to successively engage with said switches to move them to closed position during the turning of the shaft in one direction and operating to successively open said switches when rotated in the opposite direction, the means on said shaft engaging with said switches during a portion only of their movement with the shaft and means engaged by said switches for holding them in closed position while the shaft continues to rotate, for the purpose set forth.

3. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a plurality of switches each formed of relatively movable rigid members, a stop for one of the movable members of each switch, a rotary shaft, and means carried by said shaft cooperating with those members of the switches which engage with the stops and operating to successively actuate the switches for closing them and moving them into engagement with said stops, the latter operating to hold the switches in closed position.

i. In mechanism of the character set forth, the combination of a switch formed of relatively movable rigid members, a rotary shaft, a stop cooperating with one of the members of said switch for holding the same in closed DOSliZlOIi, and means operated by said sha for engaging with said switch during a portion only of its revolution for closing the switch and operating upon reversal to open the, switch.

5. A switch adapted to control an eleccircuit, said switch comprising two ar'rr one of general bell-crank form pivotally supported to permit it to be rocked and the other pivoted to the bellcranlr, a

ran om rotatable shaft, means operated by the shaft for raising said last-referred-to arm, and a stop-bearing for said last-referredto arm, for the purpose set forth.

6. A switch adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit and composed of two rigid arms, one of which is pivoted to adapt it to be swung into and out of closed position, and the bther arm being pivoted to the first arm and having a shouldered portion, a rotatable shaft, means operated by the shaft for raising the shouldered portion of said arm to close the switch, and stopbearing arranged to hold the switch in closed position.

7. A switch adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit and composed of two rigid arms, one of which is pivoted to adapt it to be moved into and out of closed position and the other of which is pivoted at its upper end to said pivoted arm, said lastnamed arm being recessed below its said piv otal connection and provided in said recess with an internal cam, a rotatable shaft, a crank on said shaft adapted to engage with said cam for operating the switch, and a stop-bearing for the lower end-portion of the switch for holding the switch closed, for the purppse set forth.

8. A switch adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit, said switch being provided with a main armcarrying a co tact and pivotally supported to adapt it to rock and a second rigid arm pivotally connected with the main arm, but otherwise free, a rotatable shaft, means on the shaft engaging said switch during a portion of a revolution only of said shaft, and a stop for engaging with said second arm to limit the tilting of the switch arm, for the purpose set forth 9. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a fixed support, a switch comprising a switch-arm pivoted on said support, a member carried by said switch-arm and movable relative there: to, a rotary shaft, means on said shaft for engaging with said relatively-movable member for actuating said switch-arm, and means carried by said shaft and operating, when the switch is closed, to prevent the latter from. being withdrawn.

10. The combination of a fixed support, a plurality of switches each having a switcharm pivoted on said support, and a member carried by said switch-arm and movable relatively thereto, a rotary shaft, and means carried by said shaft and operating successively engage with said i'ela'tivelymovable members for closing the switches in succession, and becoming disengaged from the relatively-movable member of the switch after the switch has been closed, and means carried by said shaft and operating to engage with said switches to prevent their withdrawal from closed position.

weenie 5;

11. The combination of a switch adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit and pivotally supported to adapt it to be moved to make and break the circuit, the lower end of said switch having a shouldered portion, a rotatable shaft, a crank on the shaft for engaging with the shouldered portion of said switch, and a finger carried by the shaft and engaging with the switch when the switch is moved to closed position, for the purpose set forth.

12. The combination of a switch adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit and adapted to be moved to make and breakthe circuit, a rotatable shaft, a crank on said shaft'arranged to move the switch to closed position, a relatively stationary stop-device serving to releasably hold the switch in closed position while said shaft continues to rotate, and a locking device carried by said shaft operating to maintain the switch locked in closed position until the shaft has been turned to open said switch.

13. The combination of a switch fulcrumed to permit it to be moved into and out of closed position, a rotatable shaft, a crank on the shaft engaging with the switch to move itto closed position, a stop with which said switch engages when 'moved to closed position for holding the switch closed while the shaft continues to rotate, and means carried by the shaft for preventing the switch from being opened until the shaft has been rotated for disengaging said switch from said stop.

14. The combination of aseries of switches, a rotatable shaft, cranks carried by said shaft and arranged in different positions thereon to successively engage with the switches for closing them when the shaft is rotated, stops serving to be engaged with by said switches for holding them in closed position while said shaft continues to rotate,

and means carried by said shaft for locking the switches in closed position until the shaft is operated to move the switches to open position.

15. In mechanism of the character described, the combination of a fixed support, a switch having a switch-arm pivoted on said support, and a member carried by said switch-arm and movable relative thereto, said relatively-movable member being bifurcated and provided with an internal. cam, and a'rotary shaft interposed between the bifurcatedportions of said member and provided withmeans for engaging with said cam-surface for actuating the switch.

16. In mechanism of the character set forth, the combination of a switch having relatively movable members one of which is bifurcated and provided with an inner camsurface, a rotary shaft interposed between the bifurcated portions of said memher, said member and said shaft cooperating in the movement of the latter to actuate the switch, and. astop cooperating with the bifurcated portion of said switch-member for holding the switch in closed position for the purpose set forth.

17. In mechanism of the character set forth, the combination of aswitch formed of a switch-arm and a link, the latter being pivotally supported by said switch-arm and having an end free, said free end containing a recess having cam-surfaces, and a rotatable shaft carrying eccentrically-disposed means for engaging with said cam-surfaces to open or close the switch, for the purpose set forth.

18. In an electrical starting-device, the combination of a .switch having a distal end, and adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit and having its distal end formed with a recess having a cam-surface, a rotatable shaft carrying an eccentric crankpin, the switch straddling said shaft at its recessed portion and its cam extending into the path ofsaid crank-pin for engagement by the latter for closing the switch, said shaft being free for continued movement without moving said switch after the latter is closed, and means for holding said switch in closed position.

19. In an electrical starting-device, the combination of a plurality of switches, having a distal end, and adapted to be interposed in an electrical circuit, each of said switches having its distal end formed with a recess containing a shoulder, a rotatable crank-pins arranged about said shaft in dif ferent positions,- the said switches straddling said shaft at their recessed portions and at their shoulders extending into the path of said crank-pins, and means for holding said switches in closed position.

20. in mechanism of thev character set forth, the combination of a switch composed of two arms one of which is pivoted to adapt it to be swung into and out of closed position and the other of which is pivoted to said first referred to pivoted arm, a rotatable shaft, means operated by saidshaft and engaging with said last mentioned arm for actuating the switch, and means engaged by said arm for holding the switch in closed position while the shaft continues to rotate.

21. Tn mechanism of the character set forth, the combination of a switch composed of .two rigid arms one of which is pivoted to adapt it to be swung into and out of closed position, and the other of which is pivoted to said pivoted arm and is provided with a recessed shouldered portion, a rotatable shaft, and means carried by the shaft and engaging with said shouldered portion for shifting said last-referred to arm, for the purpose set forth.

22. In mechanism of the character set forth, the combination of a plurality of switches formed of members pivotally connected together, a rotary shaft, a plurality of cranks carried by said shaft and arranged in different positions thereon operating to successively engage with one of the members of each switch for successively closing the switches, parts of the mechanism being arranged to cause the means carried by said shaft to be connected with said switches for operating them throughout a portion only of the movement of the shaft,and means actuated by said shaft for insuring against the operation of any of said switches to open them before said shaft is moved to open said switches for the purpose set forth.

28. The combination of a switch composed of two pivotally connected members, a rotatable shaft, a crank carried by said shaft and arranged to engage with one member of said switch for operating it, a stop with which said switch-member engages when the switch is moved to closed position, and a solenoid operatively connected with said shaft, for the purpose setforth.

2%. The combination of a series of switches composed of two pivotally-connected members, a rotatable shaft, cranks carried by said shaft and arranged in difierent positions thereon to successively engage with one set of the switch-members for closing the switches when the shaft is rotated, and

stops serving to be engaged by said switches for holding them in closed position wh le said shaft continues -to rotate.

' 25. In combination, an electric switch, an operating member therefor and a fixed member, said operating member operating to substantially simultaneously close said switch and move a part thereof into engagement with said fixed member to hold said switch in closed position independently thereof, said operating member being thereafter free for continued movement independently of said switch.

26. In combination, an electric switch, an operating member therefor and a fixed member, said operating member operating tosubstantially simultaneously close said switch and move a part thereof into engagement with said fixed member to hold said switch in closed position independently thereof, said operating member upon return movement releasing said switch from said fixed member.

27. In combination, an electric switch having a relatively-movable part, a fixed member adapted to be engaged by said relatively-movable part, said part and said member having cooperating faces, and an operating member movable to substantially simultaneously close said switch and lift said part of said switch and swing it into seating engagement with said fixed member weenie to hold said switch closed independently of said operating member.

28. In combination, an electric switch having a relatively-movable part, a fixed member adapted to be engaged by said relatively-movable part, said part and said member having cooperating faces, and an operating member movable to substantially simultaneously close said switch and lift said part of said switch and swing it into seating engagement with said fixed member to hold said switch closed, said operating member being thereafter free for continued movement independently of said switch and having a part adapted during said continued movement to prevent disengagement of said part from said member.

29. In combination, an electric switch,

said switch having a relatively-movable member, a fixed member adapted to be engaged by said relatively-movable member of said switch, said members having cooperating faces, and an operating member movable to substantially simultaneously close said switch and lift said relatively-movable member of said switch and swing it into seating engagement with said fixed member, said operating member being thereafter free for continued movement independentlv of said switch and having a part adapted during said independent movement to prevent disengagement of said members and a part adapted upon the reverse movement of said operating member to disengage said mom-- bers to permit said switch to open.

30. In combination, a' switch, an operating member therefor, a single rigid link con necting said switch and said operating member, and a fixed member, said operating member when actuated to close said switch moving said link into engagement with said. fixed member to hold said switch in closed position independently of said operating member, said link in this position permittmg continued movement of said operating member independently of said switch.

31. In combination, a switch, an ooerating member therefor, a single rigid lin connecting said switch and said operating member, and a fixed member, said operating member when actuated to close said switch also moving said link into engagement with said fixed member to hold said switch closed independently of said operating member, said operating member having a part cotiperating with said link to positively prevent opening of said switch except when said operating member is in a predetermined position.

32. In combination, a switch, an operating member therefor, a single rigid link con necting said switch and said operating member, and a fixed member, said operating member upon closing said switch also moving said link into engagement with said link to positively prevent opening of said switch, except when said operating member is in a predetermined position, and a part for disengaging said link from said fixed member when said predetermined position is reached. I

33. In combma'tlon, a plvoted switch, a revoluble operating member therefor, a single rigid connecting member between the same, and a fixed member adapted to be engaged by said connectingmember, said con-' necting member and sa1d operating member having a cam connection between the same whereby said connecting member is, upom closure of said switch, moved into engagement with said fixed member to retain said switch in closed position independently of said operating member and said operating member is rendered free for continued movement independently of said switch.

34. In combinatiom-a pivoted switch, a revoluble operating member therefor, a sin gle rigid link connecting the same and a fixed member adapted to be engaged by said link, said link and said operating member having a cam connection between thesame whereby said link is, upon closure of said switch, moved into engagement with said fixed member to retain said switch in closed position independently of said operating member and said operating member is rendered free for continued movement independently of said switch, said cam connection positively releasing said switch upon reverse movement of sa1d operating member.

35. In combination, a pivoted switch, a revoluble operating member therefor, a sin gle rigid link connecting the same, and a fixed member adapted to be engaged by said link, said link and said operating member having a cam connection between the same whereby said link is, upon closure of said switch, moved into engagement .with said fixed member to retain said switch in closed position independently of said operating member, and said operating member rendered free for continued movement independently of said switch, said operating member having a part cooperating with said link to insure against release of said switch during said continued movement of said operating member.

36. In combination, a pivoted switch, a rigid arm pivoted thereto, a rigid abutment and an operating member for actuating said switch through the medium of said pivoted arm and substantially simultaneously moving said arm into engagement with said abutment to lock said switch in closed position, saidoperating member thereafter being free for continued movement independently of said switch.

37. In combination, a pivoted switch, a rigid arm pivoted thereto, a rigid abutment and an operating member for actuating said switch through themedium of said pivoted arm and substantially simultaneously moving said arm into engagement with said abutment to lock said switch in'closed position, said operating member thereafter being free for continued movement independently of said switch, and said operating member having a portion adapted during its independent movement to prevent disengagement of said arm from said abutment.

38. In combination, a plurality of electric switches, a common operating member therefor for operating the same successively, and means associated with each switch for holding the same closed independently of said operating member, said operating member having parts cooperating with said means to insure against release of said switches until it is returned toward initial position.

39. In combination, a plurality of electric switches, a common operating member therefor for operating the same successively, and means associated with each switch for holding the same closed independently of said operating member, said operating member having parts cooperating with said means to insure against the release of said switches except in a definite sequence upon the return of said operating member toward initial position.

40. In combination, a plurality of switches, a common operating member therefor for closin the same successivel and means associated with said switches for holding the same in closed position independently of said 7 operating member, said operating member having parts cooperating with said means to insure against the release of said switches during its continued movement in the same direction and having other parts cooperating with said means to positively release said switches when said operating member is returned toward its initial position.

41. In combination, a plurality of switches, a common operating member therefor, a sin gle rigid link connecting each switch with said operating member and connections between said operating member and links for causing said operating member to actuate said links successively and be released from each link upon closing the switch connected thereto, and means for holding the links independently of said operating member to maintain said switches in closed position.

42. In combination, a plurality of switches, a common operating member therefor, a single rigid link connecting each switch with said operating member and connections between said operating member and links for said links successively and be released from ing cam p each link upon closing the switch connected etc, and means for holding the links independently of said operating member to i intain switches in closed position,

d operating member having parts cooperwith said links to prevent opening any said switches until it is returned toward initial. position.

In combination, a plurality of switches, a common operating member therefor, a single rigid linlr connecting each switch with -d operating member and connections loeen said operating member and links for causing said operating member to actuate links indeoendentl of said operatin memher to maintain said switch in closed position, said operating member upon reverse movement actuating said links to release said switches but locking said witches against release until its movement is reversed.

dd. combination, a plurality of switches, a common operating 11 rnber therefor, a single rigid k connecting each switch with said operating member, said'linlrs havns and sQd operating member having rts engaging said cam portions to succ 'vely actuate said links to said s hes successively and upon reverse mcx to actuate said links to open said .icches, aging parts of l 1 l said ope: mg member periovement of the latter indeach switch closing the ans cooperating with each of old each switch closed indeid operating member,

"ion, a plurality of switches, member therefor, a l: connecting each switch member, said linlzs hav- .c s and said operating is engag' said cam porv ely actuate said links to close uccessively and upon reverse uate said links to open said gaging parts of said links member permitting free the latter independently of ter closing the same, and g with each of said links common. o pie tions to succ said switc n. 8. ti

in vement or each switc 1o opera ber cotipe means to operating mem- Links and said release of said itches i. is reversed.

C ahty of pivoted electric swi ri id abu common to successively pivoted thereto, crating member or actuating them tie medium of said did links successively and to be released,

its said independent movement, to

I nectcd for actuating them" successively through the medium of said pivoted arms and substantially simultaneously moving said arms into engagement with said abutments to lock the switches in closed position, said operating member after closing a switch being free therefrom for continued movement in lependently of such switch, said operating member having portions adapted,

i disengagement of said arms from saiu ments.

d8. The combination a plurality electric switches, a plurality of switch up ating members, a rock shaft, a solenoid, co; nections between the solenoid and the sh for rocking it, plurality ct ed on the shaft or actuating members which means close a predetermined order against a u tending to ope" them, and upon of the rock sh: open said switc construction and arrangcn: bers and said means bein one of said means has switch member, it is disconnected therwhile the succe ding switch operating 12 hers opera L9. The cor electrical s vitci plurality of s rock shaft, said rock shat by said shaft members which a predetermin i. tending to op" 0t saic reel; pins being so said switch oper" structed that tuated its ope O there'l'io-r while switch operatin, nembers a m 50. the CO-HliC- FHI'ZIOII 0* electric switches, plurali't ating members, a shaft, a mounted on the ft mem ers to cl I mine der, upon said Slit so constructed has operated are operating, and a plurality of guards mounted on the shaft, one for each switch operating member, to lock one or more of the said members while the switch is open so as to prevent it being closed.

51. The combination of a plurality of electric switches, a plurality of switch operating members, a shaft, a plurality of pins mount ed on a shaft for actuating said members to close the switches in a predetermined order,

said pins being so arranged upon said shafts and said members being so constructed that after one of said pins has operated its member it is disconnected therefrom while the succeeding members are operated, and a plurality of guards mounted on the shaft, one for each switch operating member to lock said member while the switch is closed in order to prevent it being opened.

52. The combination of an electric switch, a bodily movable switch-operating member, a shaft, means mounted on the shaft for giving said member a bodily movement to close the switch, said means also acting to open the switch, said means being disconnected from the switch-operating member after closing the switch, and a stationary retaining stop for holding said switch in its closed position after said means have been disconnected from the switch-operating member.

53. The combination of an electric switch, a bodily movable switch-operating member, a shaft, means mounted on the shaft for giving said member a bodily movement to close the switch, said means also acting to open the switch, said means being disconnected from the switch-operating member afterclosing the switch, and an independent retaining stop disconnected from said means for holding said switch in its closed position after said means have been disconnected fromthe switch operating member.

54. The combination of an electric switch, a switch-operating member, a shaft, means mounted on the shaft for actuating said member to close the-switch and a foot for holding said switch in its normal open position.

55. An apparatus of the class described comprising an electric switch, a movable member connected with said switch and provided at its free end with curved arms, a rotary shaft mounted between said arms, and a stationary foot opposite said movable member and in connection with which one of said arms operates.

56. An apparatus of the class described comprising an electric switch, a bodily movable member one end of which is connected with said switch and the other end of which is provided with curved arms, and a rotary shaft mounted between said arms, said mem ber moving bodily toward and from said shaft, said rotary shaft and said movable member beingndapted to operate to open and close said switch. 5

57 An apparatus of the class described comprising an electric switch, a movable member one end of which is connected with said switch and the other end of which is provided with curved arms, and a rotary device mounted between said arms, said rotary device and said movable member being provided with co-acting surfaces, the surface of contact between the movable member and said devices being always at the same distance from the center of rotation of the rotary device.

58. An apparatus of the class described comprising an electric switch, a movable member one end of which is provided with curved arms, and a rotary device mounted between said arms, said rotary device and said movable member being provided with co-acting surfaces, the surface of contact between the movable member and said device being always at the same distance from the center of rotation of the rotary device, and said movable member being at times thrown out of contact with the rotary device.

59. An apparatus of the class described comprising an electric switch, a movable member one end of which isconnected with said switch and the other end of which is provided with curved arms, a rotary device mounted between said arms, said rotary device and said movable member being provided with co-acting surfaces, the surface of contact between the movable member and said device being always at the same distance from the center of rotation of the rotary device, said movable member being at times thrown out of contact with the rotary device, the rotary device being provided with means whereby the movable member is prevented from leaving a predetermined path of action.

60. In a motor starter, the combination of a plurality of switches closing under pres sure, a horizontal rock shaft, means carried by said shaft for closing said switches successively, said means after closing said switches being disconnected therefrom, a plurality of members for holding said switches closed, an accelerating reslstance controlled by the switches, a vertically arranged solenoid, connections between the solenoid plunger and said rock shaft, whereby energization of the solenoid actuates the shaft to close the switches successively and the deenergization of the solenoid permits the switches to open.

61. In a motor starter, the combination of a plurality of switches, one set of switch members making yielding contact with the other set, a rotatable member, a plurality of means carried by said rotatable member for actuating said switches successively, said means when closing said switches placing the switchcontacts under pressure which tends to open the switches, and said means thereafter being disconnected from said switches, a plurality of members for holding said switches closed, an accelerating resistance controlled by the switches and a solenoid for actuating said rotatablememher in one direction.

62. A motor starter having a normally open switch adapted to control current limiting means in a motor circuit, means by which said switch is operated adapted to hold the switch in closed position, and actuating means adapted to move the operating means to a position where said operating means holds the switch closed independently or the actuating means, said actuating means being then free for further movement independently of the switch.

63. A motor starter having a plurality of normally open switches adapted to control current limiting means in a motor circuit, each of said switches being provided with operating means adapted to hold its switch in closed position, and actuating means adapted to successively move the several operating means to positions where they hold their respective switches closed independently of the actuating means, said actuating means'being free for further movement after closing a switch and being independent of the closed switches whereby said actuating means is subjected to the load of only one switch at a time.

64. A motor starter having a normally open pivoted switch adapted to control current limiting means in a motor circuit, means by which said switch is operated adapted to hold the switch in both open and closed positions, and a rotary shaft carrying actuating means adapted to move the operating means to a position where said operating means holds the switch closed independently of the actuating means, said actuating means being then free for further movement independently of the switch.

65. A motor starter having a plurality of normally open pivoted switches adapted to control current limiting means in a motor circuit, each of said switches being provided with operating means adapted to hold the switch in both closed and open positions, and a rotary shaft adjacent said switches, said shaft carrying actuating means adapted to successively move the several operating means to positions where they hold their respective switches closed independently of the actuating means, said actuating means being free for further movement after closing a switch and being independent of the closed switches whereby said actuating means is subjected to the load of only one switch at a time.

S. M. MoiFnonins, O. P. HARVEY. 

